With more than 30 beautiful lakes, mountain vistas, beaches and a temperate climate showcasing all four seasons, Georgia is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. This ecological diversity, along with attractive tax credits, are some of the reasons that Georgia is the top location for feature film production in the world. Plan an adventure to three of Atlanta’s venues that have been highlighted in movies filmed in the city.
ECCO MIDTOWN
ECCO-ATLANTA.COM
40 7TH ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30308
(404) 347-9555
Ecco Midtown was referenced and filmed in “The Change-Up,” the 2011 comedy in which workaholic Dave (Jason Bateman) and slacker Mitch (Ryan Reynolds), are envious of each other’s lives, switch bodies to discover things aren’t as great as they seemed, and try to find a way to return to their normal lives.
Dave, who is actually Mitch, suggested that Mitch, who is actually Dave, go out with his colleague, Sabrina (Olivia Wilde). He urges the two get to know each other, shouting, “You guys should go out! Absolutely … What about Ecco on 7th Street, Saturday at 8:30!”
The following scene is Sabrina and Mitch post-dinner, in front of Ecco’s beautifully lit entrance and patio, discussing their next adventure: getting a tattoo.
While I may not know much about tattoos, I can tell you that Ecco Midtown is a gem and delivers on ambiance, delightful modern European fare, an impressive wine list and impeccable service. My dining group typically orders a couple of entrées so we can share and sample various dishes at Ecco.
While I may not know much about tattoos, I can tell you that Ecco Midtown is a gem and delivers on ambiance, delightful modern European fare, an impressive wine list and impeccable service.
Suggestions:
★ Bottle of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Selection ‘Farconnet’
★ Fried goat cheese drizzled with honey and black pepper
★ Braised pork pappardelle with peppadew peppers, garlic and basil
★ Potato gnocchi with lamb shoulder, red wine jus, shallot and sage
★ Praline sweet bun
THE SILVER SKILLET
THESILVERSKILLET.COM
200 14TH ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30318
(404)874-1388
Seeking the best hangover breakfast in the city? I’ve got you covered: The Silver Skillet. This charming, late ‘60s-era Southern diner is famous for its homemade biscuits, country ham and award-winning lemon ice-box pie.
While The Hangover movie didn’t feature The Silver Skillet in any of its scenes, the diner has been highlighted in countless movies, commercials, videos and print ads. The list is as long as a CVS receipt, but here are just a few of the movies or TV series filmed there: “Anchorman 2,” “Getting Out,” “Ahead of the Curve,” “The Founder,” “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Ozark” and “Remember the Titans.”
“There are many places popping up these days that are trying to spin the old-school diner feel, but none can match the true authenticity of this one — it’s without question the real deal,” said Guy Fieri, host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
The Silver Skillet opens daily for breakfast and lunch — and depending upon your arrival time, you may encounter a line to get seated. It’s worth it, I promise. And once you’re seated, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is amazing. Those fluffy, hot biscuits, though …
“There are many places popping up these days that are trying to spin the old-school diner feel, but none can match the true authenticity of this one — it’s without question the real deal.” — Guy Fieri, host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” on Atlanta’s The Silver Skillet
Suggestions:
★ Vanilla old-fashioned milkshake
★ Skillet country ham with red eye gravy (1/2 center slice)
★ Biscuit and gravy (there are 10 biscuit specialties to choose from, but I kept it simple)
★ Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes
JOHNNY’S HIDEAWAY
JOHNNYSHIDEAWAY.COM
3771 ROSWELL RD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30342
(404) 233-8026
This legendary hole-in-the-wall has been an Atlanta tradition since 1979, and as soon as you walk in, you’ll step back in time amidst the vintage photos and art. Also note the red room, filled with red lamps, red cocktail tables and red club chairs — ff you can see all of the decor, that is. Like any good hideaway, Johnny’s is dimly lit. So much so, that you may still see visions of black and red when you exit the juke at 3 a.m.
Open late seven days a week, Johnny’s Hideaway often has DJs spinning hits from the 50s to current pop music — but definitely has a crooners’ supper club vibe a la its Sinatra Room and the King’s Corner, a tribute to Elvis Presley.
In 2011 comedy, “Hall Pass,” best friends Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis), who are both struggling in their marriages, receive a “hall pass” for one week by their wives and are permitted to have sex with other women.
Johnny’s Hideaway is the perfect backdrop for the two drunken men epically failing at picking up women at the bar. Fred asks random women, “Do you know how much a polar bear weighs?” and holds up bar napkins, inquiring, “Do these smell like chloroform to you?”
Day three of the weeklong hall pass concludes with Fred getting knocked out by a huge guy for insulting his girlfriend — at Johnny’s Hideaway. You’ve got to check this dive out.
Open late seven days a week, Johnny’s Hideaway often has DJs spinning hits from the 50s to current pop music — but definitely has a crooners’ supper club vibe a la its Sinatra Room and the King’s Corner, a tribute to Elvis Presley.
Suggestions:
★ Walk around. Check the place out. Take pictures (use your flash!).
★ Expect your mixed drink to arrive in a retro stemmed glass or a plastic cup.
★ Hit the dance floor.
★ Talk to the bartenders and the locals.
★ Forego the corny pickup lines — lest you get clocked, like Fred.